Just fresh off 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, Wilfred Ndidi has pulled off a surprise in Leicester Cityās 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Parkātwo assists to his name.
The Nigerian international, whoās built a reputation as one of the Premier Leagueās most reliable defensive midfielders, stepped into the spotlight as a playmaker, bagging two assists in a performance that screamed versatility, Footballrover reports.
Yet, despite his brilliance, Leicester had to settle for a share of the spoils as a late Crystal Palace resurgence denied them their first league win of the season.
A New Role for Ndidi
Playing in an unfamiliar role as a central attacking midfielder (CAM), Ndidi looked every bit the part of a creative magician.
This is how we're looking š#CRYLEI pic.twitter.com/PUhtltgm7b
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 14, 2024
From breaking up play to setting Leicesterās forwards in motion, he was the key man in the Foxesā attacking play and well-deserved man of the match award.
His efforts started paying off when he capitalised on a sloppy giveaway in midfield, dispossessing Adam Wharton before sending Jamie Vardy through on goal.
Drop a š for this man š pic.twitter.com/Im8TEzitAg
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 14, 2024
Vardy, as lethal as ever, darted past Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and calmly slotted home to give Leicester a 1-0 lead.
For a player known more for his grit and determination, this was a masterclass in vision and execution. But Ndidi wasnāt done. He continued to disrupt Palaceās midfield, winning duels and applying pressure in the heart of the pitch.
The Double Assist Delight
Ndidiās influence on the game reached new heights just after the halftime break.
With Leicester looking to stretch their lead, the ball fell kindly to him in the Palace box following a miscue from Nathaniel Clyne.
Rather than taking a shot, the unselfish Super Eagles star picked out Stephy Mavididi with a pinpoint pass. Mavididi didnāt need a second thought, as he volleyed home to make it 2-0 for Leicester.
What a start to the second half!
Justin's cross, poor defending and Ndidi's able to tee up Mavididi – who slams home from eight yards! ā½ š„#CRYLEI https://t.co/9XeEn51OmO
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 14, 2024
Two assists, both moments of brilliance, capped off Ndidiās man-of-the-match performance.
Ndidiās stats on the night painted a picture of a player fully embracing his expanded role: 4 chances created, 8 duels won, 3 tackles, 2 successful dribbles, and 2 fouls won.
He was everywhere, covering ground and making things happen in the final third.
Palaceās Response
But just as Leicester began to dream of a first Premier League victory, Crystal Palace quickly found a way back.
Jean-Philippe Mateta reduced the deficit just 90 seconds after Mavididiās goal, poking home from a Tyrick Mitchell cross.
The home sideās belief surged, and debutant Eddie Nketiah nearly drew them level, only for his effort to roll agonisingly wide.
The pressure was mounting on Leicester, and despite Ndidiās stellar contributions, the Foxesā frail defence once again showed cracks.
Ndidi was substituted for Hamza Choudhury with 14 minutes left, but Leicesterās defensive woes persisted.
Deep into stoppage time, a clumsy challenge from Conor Coady on IsmaĆÆla Sarr gifted Palace a lifeline. Mateta stepped up to coolly dispatch the penalty, sealing a dramatic 2-2 draw for the hosts.
It finishes level š¤#CPFC // #CRYLEI pic.twitter.com/MvfHGNRacj
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 14, 2024
A Point to Prove for Leicester
Though Leicester left Selhurst Park with just a point, the game highlighted a significant shift in Ndidiās game.
Traditionally the player relied upon to break up opposition attacks, Ndidiās new attacking responsibility could open up fresh tactical options for Leicester.
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